Tenerife: Sailing Excursion with Whale and Dolphin Watching

Tenerife’s southern waters are home to pilot whales and dolphins, and this three-hour yacht trip gives you a good chance to see them without the crowds and noise of a large tour boat. The 52-foot yacht also lets you enjoy the coast at a slower pace, with time for a swim in a sheltered bay.

I like the small-group feel and the crew’s respectful approach to wildlife. Captains such as Alex, Jesus, Mauricio, and Marta have been praised for explaining marine life clearly and cutting the engine near whales. I also like that sandwiches, fruit, drinks, and basic snorkeling equipment are included.

The main caution is the sea itself. Conditions can turn choppy, and some outings have had large waves. Sailing time also depends on the wind, while time at the swimming stop can be short if the whales are especially active.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: Tenerife’s southern coast is a regular viewing area, and sightings can include mothers and calves.
• A 52-foot yacht keeps the trip relaxed: Groups have included as few as seven people and around ten passengers, leaving room to move around.
• The crew gives wildlife space: Captains may switch off the motor and wait for the animals to choose how close they come.
• The swimming stop is flexible: You can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard with a drink, but the stop may be brief if wildlife viewing takes longer.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect fresh fruit, sandwiches, water, soft drinks, juice, beer, cava, and wine.
• Bring motion-sickness precautions: The boat is comfortable, but waves can make the ride bumpy, especially for children and anyone prone to seasickness.

A quieter way to watch Tenerife’s whales

The first thing to understand about this trip is that it is not simply a fast ride out to sea, a quick animal sighting, and a rush back to port. The yacht is part of the experience. You get the open deck, the sound of the water, the possibility of sailing under canvas, and a more personal setting than you usually find on a large excursion boat.

The yacht measures 52 feet, which gives you room to sit forward, move around, or find a steadier spot if the water gets lively. The number of passengers can vary, but several outings have had only seven to ten people besides the crew. That is small enough to ask questions and still feel that you have some space.

The crew speaks English, Spanish, French, and Italian. Names connected with the trips include Alex, Jesus, Mauricio, Marta, Monica, and Yuri. Your guide may be different, but the useful quality to look for is an interest in the sea rather than a loud sales pitch. The best moments come when the engine goes quiet and everyone simply watches.

Leaving Puerto Colón for the southern coast

You meet at Pantalán, or dock, number zero in Puerto Colón. The easiest landmark is Miishi Restaurant. Arrive 15 minutes before departure, since the boat is in a working marina and you will want time to find the right dock without hurrying.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. If you are staying in the south of Tenerife, you can arrange your own taxi or use local transport. Two port parking areas are available, with a stated cost of about €1 per hour. That makes driving fairly practical for a three-hour outing, although you should still allow time to park and walk to the dock.

After a short briefing, the crew explains the plan and basic onboard arrangements. There is a barefoot policy on the yacht, except for health reasons, so wear something easy to remove. Oversize luggage is not allowed. A small day bag is the sensible choice.

The first part of the ride gives you a feel for Tenerife’s southern coastline from the water. The coast here is one of the reasons this trip works well: you are not looking only toward the horizon. You also get changing views of the shore, the marina, and the open Atlantic as the yacht moves away from land.

Watching pilot whales with the engine off

The whale and dolphin section is the heart of the trip. The crew knows the more populated areas and watches the sea for signs of movement. You might see pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, or turtles. Sightings are never guaranteed, so you should book this for the full experience at sea rather than for a promised animal checklist.

Pilot whales are the species most often highlighted on this route. Several outings have produced groups with small whales and calves, sometimes close to the yacht. That can be especially memorable because pilot whales often travel in family groups, giving you more than a single quick glimpse.

One thoughtful detail is the way the crew handles a sighting. When conditions allow, the captain may turn off the motor and let the animals decide how near to come. That gives you a quieter view and avoids the frantic feeling that can come from chasing wildlife. It also means the boat may sit still for a while, so patience matters.

Dolphins are possible but less predictable. Some trips have seen many, while another saw only one dolphin but plenty of whales. Turtles have also been spotted close to the yacht. I would treat every sighting as a bonus and pay attention to the water between encounters. The calm stretches are part of the experience, not wasted time.

The crew also explains what you are seeing and shares information about Tenerife’s marine life. Guides such as Alex, Jesus, and Yuri have been singled out for their clear explanations and care for the ocean. That personal contact is useful if you want more than a photograph. You can ask about the animals, the coastline, or the best places to eat after returning to shore.

Sailing under canvas, when the wind allows

This is a sailing excursion, but the yacht cannot always sail. One outing had too little wind to raise the sails, while others included a beautiful stretch under sail. That is normal for a wind-dependent activity, and you should not judge the trip only by how long the sails stay up.

When the sails are raised, the mood changes. The yacht glides more quietly, and you become aware of the wind, the water, and the movement of the boat. Even a short sailing period can be one of the most peaceful parts of the morning or afternoon.

If the wind is weak, the motor keeps the schedule moving. That is practical because you have only three hours, with both wildlife viewing and a swimming stop to fit in. The tradeoff is that you may spend much of the trip motoring rather than sailing.

For comfort, think about where you sit. Some people who are usually prone to seasickness have done well near the front of the boat, while large waves have made some children sick on other outings. The front can offer a good view, but it may also move more in rough water. If you are sensitive, ask the crew where conditions feel most stable that day.

Swimming and snorkeling in a sheltered bay

Before returning to Puerto Colón, the captain anchors in a secluded bay. This is your chance to swim, snorkel, or stay aboard and relax. The water has been described as clear and blue, and the setting gives you a pleasant change from the open sea.

Basic snorkeling equipment is included. You should still bring your own swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat. If you would rather not get in the water, you can use this part of the trip to sit on deck, eat, and enjoy a drink.

The length of the stop can change. If the boat spends a long time with whales, the swim may be reduced to around ten minutes. On another outing, the bay stop was a central part of the day. This is an important point for families: the captain has to balance wildlife conditions, sailing time, and the return schedule.

The bay is not presented as a major snorkeling site with a long guided session. Think of it as a refreshing pause in a scenic spot. You can take a quick swim, try the mask and snorkel, or simply enjoy the water from the yacht’s deck.

Sandwiches, fruit, and drinks on deck

The included food is simple but well suited to a three-hour boat trip. You receive fresh fruit and sandwiches, with some accounts noting that sandwiches were prepared while the yacht was under sail or while the guide had time to work in the galley.

Drinks include water, juice, soft drinks, beer, cava, and wine. That is a generous selection for the price, though you should remember that alcohol and open water require some common sense. If you prefer to stay fully hydrated, bringing a personal water bottle is sensible even though water is included.

The food matters because the schedule does not include a shore-side meal. You can eat without leaving the boat or losing time at the swimming stop. It also adds value for families and couples who want a complete half-day activity rather than a bare boat ride.

Do not expect a restaurant meal. You are eating on a yacht, with the sea moving beneath you. Keep your expectations at picnic level and you should be satisfied.

What the $88 price really buys you

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Tenerife. Large boats can sometimes charge less, especially for a basic whale-watching trip. The value here comes from the yacht, the smaller feel, the food and drinks, the swimming stop, and the chance to spend time with a crew that can answer questions.

A small group can make a major difference. You are less likely to feel packed shoulder to shoulder, and you can move from the front deck to the shaded areas more easily. Several outings felt close to a private charter, although the exact group size is not fixed.

You also avoid separate costs for sandwiches, drinks, and basic snorkeling equipment. If you would buy lunch and a few drinks at the marina afterward, the gap between this trip and a cheaper boat outing becomes smaller.

I would consider it good value for a couple, a small family, or anyone who cares about the atmosphere as much as the sightings. It may be less appealing if your only aim is to spend the maximum possible time looking for whales, since a fast specialist boat might cover more water. Here, the ride, bay stop, and yacht setting are all part of the package.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most

This outing suits you if you want several experiences in one: marine wildlife, a coastal cruise, a possible sailing session, a swim, and light refreshments. It works particularly well for couples and small groups who prefer a calm boat with room to move.

Families can enjoy it too, especially when children are excited by pilot whales and dolphins. The caution is motion sickness. One outing had unusually tall waves, and children became seasick even though they still enjoyed the trip. If someone in your group is sensitive, plan ahead and speak with the crew before settling into a seat.

It is also a good choice if you value responsible wildlife viewing. The crew has been seen stopping the motor and allowing the animals to set the distance. That does not guarantee close encounters, but it creates a more respectful way to watch them.

The trip is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the provided details do not explain the exact boarding setup or access inside the yacht. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the practical arrangements before booking.

Small details that make the day easier

Arrive early enough to find dock zero without stress. Search for Miishi Restaurant if the marina layout is confusing, and do not assume your hotel transfer is included.

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes and pack a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Leave large suitcases behind. Because shoes normally come off, choose clean, comfortable clothing and remember that the deck may feel wet after swimming.

Keep your schedule flexible after the trip. The activity lasts three hours, but sea conditions and wildlife can affect the pace. If you have a fixed lunch reservation immediately afterward, leave extra time rather than cutting it close.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the activity, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Check the available departure times for your date, since the three-hour duration does not mean every start time runs daily.

Should you book this Tenerife sailing trip?

I would book it if you want a small-scale whale-watching outing with a proper yacht, a chance to swim, and food and drinks included. The strongest parts are the crew, the respectful approach to whales, and the relaxed space on board. A lucky trip can bring pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and even a period under sail.

I would choose something else if you dislike open water, need guaranteed sailing, or want a long, dedicated snorkeling session. The sea can be rough, the wind may not cooperate, and the bay stop may be brief.

For most people, the $88 price is fair because you are paying for the whole three-hour experience, not just an animal sighting. Bring a towel, protect yourself from the sun, prepare for some motion, and let the crew set the pace. That is the best way to enjoy this thoughtful, personal outing from Puerto Colón.

FAQ

How long is the sailing excursion?

The excursion lasts three hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Pantalán, dock number zero, at Puerto Colón in Tenerife. Miishi Restaurant is a useful landmark when searching for the entrance.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. You must make your own way to Puerto Colón.

What animals might I see?

The trip looks for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles. Sightings are possible but cannot be guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The captain stops in a secluded bay where you can swim, snorkel, or relax on board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Basic snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive fresh fruit and sandwiches. Drinks include water, juices, soft drinks, beer, cava, and wine.

What languages are spoken by the guides?

Guides may speak English, Spanish, French, or Italian.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and shoes are normally removed on board except for health reasons.